Wombats – Next 5 Km

This entry ends another dramatic pause in my blogging. It wasn’t so intentional, mind you. I’ve just had a lot on my mind. I’ll try to briefly recap some of recent events for you now.
We spent last Saturday evening with Mom and Mark. We took them out for the Ballard Artwalk–which was a disappointment for Mary and I, but they sure loved it. At the end of the walk they were treated to some great smoked salmon sold from a local store. We kept the folks were up way past their bedtime. (I’ve finished my scanning; I was able to return the photos that Mom had loaned to me at this time.)
Mary and I swung by the OP Sunday, only to find that the BBQ is all but dead. Turns out that no one has been showing up with any potluck dishes, which means that the bar was picking up the tab for all of the food. They’re going to try to have a BBQ once a month for now, and will cancel it outright if there is still no participation. (I find it interesting that the regulars have made this change.)
My computer is loud. The fan is quite simply the loudest computer fan I’ve ever heard. It’s always going. It’s going right now. On a whimsical search, I discovered that Apple implemented an exchange program for the internal fan for my computer between February and June, which means I found out one week too late. Like many, I am extremely disappointed about this. My computer carries a price tag of several thousand dollars, but Apple never sent me any kind of notice about this exchange. I’ve called Apple and explained my dissatisfaction, and a customer service representative is looking into this. (Make sure you check out www.g4noise.com if you got screwed on this, too.)
Mary and I spent Tuesday and Wednesday in St. Vincent’s library. We were given permission to exercise our own judgment on the organization, which meant finally removing hundred of books that would otherwise never be purchased. This was a significant accomplishment.
Following the ideas as they come has led me to building Station 3 in the corner of the living room. While the general idea is that it be used for Windows-based training, business recording and general study, it is suitable for guest use. (Of course, considering my current social activities, I’m not sure if this will ever get used.)
For what it’s worth, I’ve had more ideas for Virtual Ballard. I’m keeping a three-ringed binder for the project over at Station 3, so Mary and I can take a look whenever the fancy strikes us. (Again, I have no idea if this will ever actually turn into something tangible.)
I’ve been looking into adding a few features to my site. Having this site online for the last six months has given me a lot of insight into the practical application of Movable Type. I’ve noted a number of things which will require restructuring. (My #1 feature improvement will be to add a lot more photos, but this will require some serious thought about workflow. I’m still very new to this whole blog thing.)
And what’s been going on in my head? Well, much like the rest of the world, I’ve been underwater. I’m all too aware of the rise in Washington State’s unemployment rate coupled with Boeing’s recent layoff announcements. My days have been about staying on track with the metaphysical work.
Which brings us to today,
Narelle called right as Mary and I were pouring over a map of Melbourne looking for her street. It was one of those strange little moments, and I just knew that it was her on the phone.
I had to end my conversation with her a bit short when an agent called about a job. It looks like I’ll be able to take a production position in Tacoma that offers absolutely no design work, but will be steady income through the end of the year with the possibility of overtime pay and an opportunity to go permanent. The pay is good, but the commute is an absolute bitch. The job is 38.8 miles away (about 62.5 Km), and means negotiating the worst traffic in the Seattle area. I’m guessing that means I’ll be driving or riding a bus about three hours a day at best.
Anyway, I’ll have to schedule an interview with the company on Monday so they can check me out. Right now, I am overwhelmed by what this kind of change means.